Top scorer leads Crimson lacrosse boys into new season

Maple Grove boys’ lacrosse coach Gig Willson welcomes back a team that is overall young and lacking in varsity experience. But one person he can count on is attacker Dave Corazalla. The senior enjoyed a banner 2012 season during which he finished second in the state in scoring with 48 goals. He is one of five returning starters who will lead the Crimson into the 2013 season.

Willson is starting his sixth year as the Maple Grove head coach. He has compiled a record of 49-14. Last season, the Crimson finished 11-5 overall and took third in the conference with a 6-3 mark. The Crimson lost in the section semifinals to Minnetonka. There are many question marks this season as Maple Grove will have an inexperienced lineup.

“We are young. We graduated 20 seniors each of the past two years but have only four or five players this year who will contribute and see a lot of playing time,” Willson said. “But we return one of the top scorers in the state, along with a solid core of defensemen. We have a very quick defensive midfield group. We need to take a young team and pull them together quickly. I expect us to grow and develop throughout the year and we hope to play our best lacrosse at the end of the season as the team matures.”